With such a strong supporting cast around him this season, Joel Embiid is most likely expecting his load to lighten this time around. Unfortunately, given what the 76ers are dealing with when it comes to their cushion behind their superstar center, it is becoming increasingly likely that they will repeat the same mistake of overburdening him in the regular season, at least to kick things off.
Sure, the 76ers have an even more infusion of star power, but what Embiid requires, given his extensive injury history, is a solid backup who can incentivize the team to ease up on his load. Unfortunately, Philly is already facing a flimsy situation off the bench with their armory of big men. Ariel Hukporti is out for the season with an Achilles injury, while both Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona have yet to sniff action in the preseason.
The 76ers still do not have a clear answer for Joel Embiid's main backup
Bona and Barlow were the players projected to duke it out for the primary backup center role. Well, both of them are currently out of commission due to injury. While they have not been ruled out for the rest of the preseason, they will be coming into the regular season quite rusty. That means that early on, Embiid will have to play heavy minutes –– a tricky proposition for the former MVP.
Jabari Walker has been quite impressive so far, but trotting him out as the nominal five off the bench will not always be viable given that he is undersized and better off playing his natural position as a power forward. Ditto for Dean Wade, who fares best as a forward.
There remains a variance in outcomes this preseason, but the 76ers are now forced to repeat the same mistake by putting too much burden on Embiid. While his scoring load should decrease, the team still needs a solid center at all times. At this point, it is only he who fits that bill on the roster. To start things off, he will most likely log heavy minutes.
Joel Embiid needs the 76ers to exercise more than just ordinary care with him. Unfortunately, their backup big man situation remains dicey. Given their need to mount a strong start to the season, the team might not have any choice but to overexert him once again early on –– an understandable maneuver that is as risky as it is justifiable.
Add us as a preferred source on Google